Classic kitchen
It’s no secret that white kitchens are my favourite…white cabinets combined with white countertop and backsplash looks fresh, clean and classic.
elle décor
marthastewart.com
White cabinets with black granite looks lovely too if the black is repeated. Love the floor in this pic and the black lighting. Combined with the glass doors and warm wood, it is stunning.
eric roth kitchen
Either way, you won’t regret going with a classic white kitchen. When choosing hard surfaces, it’s important not to fall victim to trends and fads. While you want to have a current look, you don’t want to be oh so 2013.
If you would like to make good design a part of your life, email me.
Karen Fron Interior Design is a Calgary based design firm. We believe that a well functioning and beautiful home makes life better. It’s not about how much you have, it’s about using what you have to create beauty.
Ever heard of Persian Pickles?
What’s old is new again, and in this case, what’s really old is once again trending high. The persian pickle motif is also known as the Welsh pear design. The most common name though, is Paisley. Paisley is a teardrop-shaped motif of Persian and Indian origin and has been used since AD224. Wow – that’s really old.
the paisley shoppe
avanti fabrics
Paisley shawls, imported during the 17th century, from the East India Company to Europe became the rage. Soon many European countries were copying this centuries old design, but the town of Paisley, Scotland became the foremost producers. Hence the name association.
elledecor
Paisley has influenced many designs around the globe. Paisley became very fashionable during the Victorian times as well dressed men and women wore this pattern. William Morris furthered paisley’s popularity with his wallpapers and through his work, it became known as somewhat bohemian.
contemporary chair
In the 1960s it was the Beatles who propelled paisley back in fashion. They fuelled the interest in Indian spiritualism and this included the use of colourful paisley designs.
the paisley shoppe
elle décor
Paisley is one of the most recognizable patterns in the world. We’re seeing it show up again very strong on the runway and in home decor. Considering it’s been around for centuries, it really can be called a classic.
elle décor
house and home
And just because it’s super old, doesn’t mean it’s old fashioned. Paisley works in all decors and is right at home in classic design as well as modern.
If you would like to make good design a part of your life, email me.
Karen Fron Interior Design is a Calgary based design firm. We believe that a well functioning and beautiful home makes life better. It’s not about how much you have, it’s about using what you have to create beauty.
Colour or not?
All the decorating magazines are raving on about colour…it’s back, you need it and neutrals are so over. Hmmmm…this may well be the way they see it, but many of my design clients are not surrounding themselves with loads of bright colours. And that bright red velvet sofa…they’re taking a pass.
elledecor
So often I hear clients say that they want their home to be a retreat, a quiet oasis from the craziness of the world. Colours such as creams, warm greys, soft aquas and wheat are what they are choosing.
countryliving
As much as I love colour, I just can’t live with it. Sure, in a showroom, I’ll be the first to run over to the pair of chartreuse chairs and drool all over them. But in the end it’s not what brings me tranquility in my home. I say if loads of colour is your love, then go for it. But if colour doesn’t do it for you, don’t be afraid to buck the trend.
If you would like to make good design a part of your life, email me.
Karen Fron Interior Design is a Calgary based design firm. We believe that a well functioning and beautiful home makes life better. It’s not about how much you have, it’s about using what you have to create beauty.
Designers we love
Dorothy Mae “Sister” Parish (1910-1994) is considered a pioneer in the field. Her nickname came from being the only girl in a family of boys. She had a no-nonsense approach to design and would often take a teacart through a new client’s house collecting unnecessary bric-a-brac as the first step in redesigning!
Parish is credited with popularizing the American country style during the 1960′s. Jackie Kennedy hired Sister to design a family home and also as the first designer in the White House restoration project.
Sister Parish
Sister Parish wrote of her design philosophy, “As a child, I discovered the happy feelings that familiar things can bring – an old apple tree, a favourite garden, the smell of a fresh-clipped hedge, simply knowing that when you round the corner, nothing will be changed, nothing will be gone. I try to install the lucky part of my life in each house that I do. Some think a decorator should change a house. I try to give permanence to a house, to bring out the experiences, the memories, the feelings that make it a home.”
Although Sister Parish had a frank, often intimidating approach, she never forgot that rooms were made for people, and that they should be as comfortable and attractive as possible.
If you would like to make good design a part of your life, email me.
Karen Fron Interior Design is a Calgary based design firm. We believe that a well functioning and beautiful home makes life better. It’s not about how much you have, it’s about using what you have to create beauty.
The colour revolution continues
It’s gotten me bad. Everywhere I look, I see colour and I want it all. Lilly Pulitzer has suddenly become my new hero. Which is funny, because just a few years ago, I was researching her life and wondered who would dare wear or decorate with her fabrics? Well, never say never.. seems we can’t get enough of Lilly’s style since we’ve overdosed on black and brown.
via lillypulitzer.com
Lilly Pulitzer is a socialite and fashion designer. She is known for founding Lilly Pulitzer, Inc., which designs and produces clothing and fabric. Bright, colourful and over-the-top floral prints, hers is a very unique look.
from the lilly pulitzer collection by lee sofa
In 1950, Lilly Rousseau married Peter Pulitzer, and settled in Palm Beach Florida. They owned several citrus groves, so Lilly began selling juice. Because squeezing the juice made a mess of her clothes, she designed a sleeveless shift dress made of bright, colourful cotton. Eventually it was her dresses that became popular, so she focused on fashion design. Her bright colourful clothing became popular with Palm Beach Society, and today it’s enjoying a revival both in fashion and home decor.
lilly pulitzer swatch via lee jofa
Rafael de Cárdenas from Elle Decor
via elle décor
Unleash your vibrant side. Whether it’s textiles or paint, get some colour into your home. Find out the colours that make you feel alive and surround yourself with them. This will be the start of the authentic you. If you had to describe yourself by colour, not too many of use would be a black, brown or the ubiquitous beige. Myself, I’ve always been a closet chartreuse, with a dash of tangerine. What’s your colour alter-ego?
If you would like to make good design a part of your life, email me.
Karen Fron Interior Design is a Calgary based design firm. We believe that a well functioning and beautiful home makes life better. It’s not about how much you have, it’s about using what you have to create beauty.
Colour is showing up everywhere
Have you been to the stores lately? Bright colours are everywhere! In both fashion and interiors, the colours are bright, clean and eye-popping. Love this photo from the spring collection at Crate and Barrel. If you want to add some brights, try a few accent pieces such as a grouping of vases, cushions or a pair of lamps with a bright base. This year it’s all about colour. Even the gowns at the Oscars were exploding with bright colour.
via crate and barrel
via house beautiful
via getty images
getty images
- March will soon be here, but spring is still a long way away. Try adding some colour to your home and feel the mood change. Orange, yellow, pink and turquoise…pick one, or use them all!
If you would like to make good design a part of your life, email me.
Karen Fron Interior Design is a Calgary based design firm. We believe that a well functioning and beautiful home makes life better. It’s not about how much you have, it’s about using what you have to create beauty.